[Mikey T]

The one option we were thinking of was a doggy door. But we are nervous about all the other animals that could get in.[/b]

That is a red herring.

1. that is what the fence yard prevents

2. how many animals do you thing will be challenging the dogs.



I have had a dog door for decades an this has never occured unless you count mice the cats draged in on a catch and release program so the bassets could prefect there mouser skills Let us just say the dod not last long.

There are doors that only operate on a magnetic key or similar exclusive metondthat the dog have on their collar, so your dogs would the only one to beable to use it. It may offer the piece of mind you are looking for. I prefer to keep it simple and not worry about a door malfunction


Electronic SmartDoor by Petsafe


<a href="http://www.moorepet-petdoors.com/Electronic-and-Automatic-Pet-Doors-s/24.htm" target="_blank">Electronic & Automatic Pet Doors
</a>

Electronic Pet Door Fact & Fiction


Myth: Electronic pet doors provide the best seal and protection from the weather.
Truth: Dual flexible flap pet doors provide a far superior barrier to temperatures and weather. All electronic pet doors are made with plastic doors and are not insulated.

Myth: Electronic doors keep out criminals
Truth: Electronic doors are only designed to regulate the access of pets and some are designed to keep out other animals. Optimal security is found in pet door models that have heavy duty security panels that lock off the pet openings. If anyone represents a door as providing security from criminal activity, they are incorrect...period.

Myth: It is always best to have an electronic pet door over manual doors.
Truth: Most dog owners do not use electronic doors, unless they are keeping a cat inside the house etc. The large majority of pet owners go with manual doors that seal, insulate, and last far longer than electronic doors.[/b]

 

[Mikey T]

Keep in mind a doog door is not a miracle cure. A dog door will certainly help with accidents cause by the lack of access to a proper area to go. but If you do not develope a substrate strate preferrence in the dog for grass or whatever the ground cover in the dog yard is over material in the house there is no desire for the pet to go out to do its businenss.

see Housetraining Your Puppy on deloping a substrate preferrence and keep in mind it is still imporant to reward the dog fo using the appropriate spot to go to prevent accidents for occuring especially when conditions outside are less than pleasant.